[Effects of exergame combined with elastic band resistance training on exercise self-efficacy and physical activity levels in older adults with cognitive frailty: A mixed-methods study].
Researchers
Hongting Ning, Qing Chen, Xi Chen, Shuang Wu, Xiaobao Zhang, Mengchi Li, Hui Feng, Rong Yu
Abstract
Cognitive frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by the coexistence of physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment. It is a strong predictor of adverse health outcomes including disability, dementia, falls, and mortality. Exergaming can enhance exercise appeal and immersion, while elastic band resistance training can safely and effectively improve muscle function. Nevertheless, few studies have systematically integrated these two approaches, and most evaluations have focused on quantitative outcomes without exploring participants' subjective experiences. This mixed-methods study aims to evaluate the effects of a combined exergaming and resistance training intervention on exercise self-efficacy and physical activity levels in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted. A total of 79 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty were randomly assigned using a random number table method to an intervention group (<i>n</i>=39) or a control group (<i>n</i>=40). The control group received routine health education, while the intervention group received a 12-week exergame combined with elastic band resistance training program in addition to routine health education. The intervention was conducted 3 times per week, with each session lasting 50 min, including 5 min of warm-up, 20 min of elastic band exercises, 20 min of exergame training, and 5 min of cool-down and relaxation. Exercise intensity was maintained at a moderate level. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and exercise confidence was evaluated using the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) before and after the intervention. After the intervention, 13 participants from the intervention group were purposively sampled based on age, sex, and intervention adherence for semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step phenomenological analysis method. The exercise adherence rate in the intervention group was 86.5%. After 12 weeks of intervention, improvements in IPAQ-SF scores [adjusted mean difference (MD)=586.1 MET-min/week, 95% <i>CI</i> 454.5 to 717.7] and SEE scores (adjusted MD=3.3, 95% <i>CI</i> 2.4 to 4.2) were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (both <i>P</i><0.001). Sensitivity analyses, including complete-case analysis and per-protocol analysis, showed results consistent with the primary analysis. Qualitative analysis identified 3 themes: enhanced exercise enjoyment and intrinsic motivation for participation, promotion of positive perceptions of physical and psychological health, and improvement in quality of life and social interaction. Exergame combined with elastic band resistance training effectively improves exercise self-efficacy and physical activity levels among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. The beneficial effects of this intervention may be attributed to its positive impacts on enhancing exercise enjoyment, promoting health perceptions, and improving social interaction. This program provides a practical exercise intervention model that integrates enjoyment and scientific rigor for community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. <b>目的</b>: 认知衰弱是躯体衰弱与轻度认知功能障碍共存(排除痴呆)的老年综合征,是失能、痴呆、跌倒及死亡等多种不良健康结局的强预测因素。运动游戏可提升运动吸引力与沉浸感,弹力带抗阻训练能安全有效地改善肌肉功能,但二者系统整合的研究尚少,且干预效果评估多局限于量化指标,缺乏参与者体验视角的质性证据。本研究旨在通过混合方法设计,探讨运动游戏联合弹力带抗阻训练对社区认知衰弱老年人运动自我效能与体力活动水平的干预效果。<b>方法</b>: 采用解释性序列混合方法设计,通过随机数字表法将79名社区认知衰弱老年人分为试验组 (<i>n</i>=39)与对照组(<i>n</i>=40)。对照组接受常规健康宣教,试验组在常规宣教基础上接受为期12周、每周3次的运动游戏联合弹力带抗阻训练,每次50 min(含5 min热身、20 min弹力带操、20 min运动游戏、5 min整理放松),运动强度为中等强度。干预前后采用国际体力活动问卷-简表(International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form,IPAQ-SF)评估体力活动水平,采用运动自我效能量表(Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale,SEE)评估运动自信程度。干预结束后在试验组中采用目的抽样法,按年龄、性别、干预依从性3个维度选取13名老年人进行半结构化访谈,质性资料采用Colaizzi 7步现象学分析法进行分析。<b>结果</b>: 试验组的运动依从率为86.5%。干预12周后,试验组IPAQ-SF得分[调整后均值差(mean difference,MD)=586.1 MET-min/周,95% <i>CI</i> 454.5~717.7]与SEE得分(调整后MD=3.3,95% <i>CI</i> 2.4~4.2)的改善均显著优于对照组(均<i>P</i><0.001)。敏感性分析(完整病例分析和符合方案集分析)结果与主分析结果一致。质性研究共提炼出3个主题:提升运动乐趣与参与内驱力、促进身心健康积极感知、改善生活质量与社交互动。<b>结论</b>: 运动游戏联合弹力带抗阻训练能有效提升社区认知衰弱老年人的运动自我效能与体力活动水平,其效果得益于该干预在提升乐趣、促进健康感知及改善社交方面的积极作用。该方案为社区认知衰弱老年人的运动干预提供了兼具趣味性与科学性的实践模式。.Source: PubMed (PMID: 42763302)View Original on PubMed